A train line through Warwickshire which was closed after a massive landslide is set to reopen three weeks ahead of schedule.

The railway between Leamington and Banbury has been shut since the end of January following a 350,000 tonne landslip near Harbury, a few miles south of Leamington.

Network Rail have worked on the site 24/7 and have now confirmed that the key route between the Midlands and London will reopen on Friday March 13, having originally stated that it would be open by Easter.

Some freight trains may begin to use the line between Leamington and Banbury in the week commencing Monday March 9, but only overnight.

Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Thousands of passengers and thousands of tonnes of freight rely on this vital route every day. We have been working round-the-clock and are able to reopen the railway three weeks ahead of the original estimate.

“Harbury cutting has suffered from landslips for more than 150 years. We have secured the cutting and made it safe and will carry out long-term repairs which will significantly reduce the chances of similar incidents in the future.

“I would like to thank passengers and the residents of Harbury for their ongoing patience while we fix the landslip and carry out further repairs ahead of the reopening.”

Network Rail will remain on site for several months after the railway reopens as work continues on the cutting and additional investigations of the surrounding area. The section of railway which has not been used for the duration of the closure will be fully tested before reopening.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “I am sure passengers well join with me in welcoming this news. Having seen the scale of the challenge, I congratulate Network Rail’s engineers on reopening the line faster than expected.

“There is, of course, a longer term task in trying to make sure this sort of disruption does not happen in future.

“The impact of this landslip shows the importance of making our railways fit for the 21st century. That is why, as part of our long-term economic plan, more than £38billion is being invested between 2014-19 to improve and maintain the nation’s railways.”

A bus replacement service between Leamington and Banbury will continue to be in use until Thursday March 12 and passengers are urged to check with their train operator or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest information.